NEW YORK — Nike Inc., the world’s largest athletic shoe and clothing company, announced a 22 percent increase in fourth-quarter profits as strength in North America offset weakness in Europe and China.
Like most global companies, Nike has been dealing with Europe’s fluctuating economy and a slowdown in growth in China. Nike has been working to reduce its inventory in China and reworking its offerings there to adapt to the changing tastes of Chinese customers. It also has been focusing on growth in North America, selling off less profitable brands like Umbro to focus on core brands like Nike.
The company said Thursday it earned $668 million, or 76 cents per share, in the three-month period ended May 31. That compares with $549 million, or 60 cents per share, in the year-ago period.
Revenue increased 7 percent to $6.7 billion from $6.24 billion.
Analysts had expected 74 cents per share on revenue of $6.63 billion, according to FactSet.
During the fourth quarter, the company’s revenue under the Nike brand rose 8 percent with growth across each product type and region except Western Europe and Greater China. The Nike brand revenue was higher in running, basketball, men’s training, and women’s training products, offsetting slight declines in sportswear, action sport and soccer.